Fan design with an impact absorbing structure

Abstract

The present invention is related to anAn improved fan design with an impact absorbing structure is disclosed. In one example embodiment, the improved fan design may include a lower fan assembly connected to an upper fan assembly using a mounting bracket. The lower fan assembly may include a fan base having multiple supporting legs which are rotatably connected to the lower fan assembly. The upper fan assembly may include a fan motor and fan blades enclosed within a protective structure. In one embodiment, the protective structure of the present invention may include an outer fan cover, a fan grille, an external cage, and a perimeter shock absorbing ring extending around the the outer fan cover. According to another aspect, the perimeter shock absorbing ring may include an inner surface, an inner absorption layer, and an outer surface. The inner absorption layer may optionally include one or more flexible ribs.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An air circulation system, wherein the air circulation system comprises:
 a lower fan assembly, wherein the lower fan assembly is comprised of a fan base, wherein the fan base is comprised of a rotatable mount and a plurality of supporting legs, wherein each of the supporting legs is connected to the rotatable mount by a respective connecting joint, wherein each respective connecting joint is configured to allow the respective connected supporting leg to rotate at the respective connecting joint and extend away from the rotatable mount; 
 an upper fan assembly, wherein the upper fan assembly is comprised of: 
 an inner fan assembly, wherein the inner fan assembly is comprised of a fan motor; 
 a plurality of fan blades; 
 an outer fan cover; 
 a fan grille, wherein the fan grille is comprised of a plurality of fan veins; a perimeter shock absorbing ring, wherein the perimeter shock absorbing ring extends around a circumference of the outer fan cover, wherein the perimeter shock absorbing ring is comprised of an inner surface, an inner absorption layer, and an outer surface, wherein the inner absorption layer is comprised of a plurality of flexible ribs, and wherein the perimeter shock absorbing ring is comprised of injection moldable materials; 
 an external cage, wherein the external cage is comprised of a first vertical bracing bracket and a first horizontal bracing bracket, wherein the first vertical bracing bracket and the first horizontal bracing bracket intersect at an intersection area, wherein the upper fan assembly is mechanically connected to the external cage at a point within the intersection area; and 
 an impact absorbing mount, wherein the impact absorbing mount is comprised of a plurality of raised projections and a rear mounting surface, wherein the raised projections are hollow, circular projections, wherein the rear mounting surface is flat, wherein at least one raised projection is perforated to allow for a connector to extend through to the rear mounting surface, wherein the inner fan assembly is secured to the external cage with the connector, wherein the connector extends through the impact absorbing mount; wherein the impact absorbing mount is secured between the external cage and the upper fan assembly; and 
 a mounting bracket, wherein the lower fan assembly is adjustably connected to the upper fan assembly by the mounting bracket, wherein the mounting bracket is further comprised of an adjustable joint, wherein the adjustable joint is configured to allow for tilt adjustment, further wherein the adjustable joint is configured to lock in selected positions, and wherein the mounting bracket is comprised of a bayonet mount. 
 
     
     
       2. The air circulation system of  claim 1 , wherein the system is further comprised of a claw clip attachment. 
     
     
       3. The air circulation system of  claim 2 , wherein the claw clip attachment is further comprised of a securing latch, wherein the securing latch is configured to attach to the external cage. 
     
     
       4. The air circulation system of  claim 3 , wherein the claw clip attachment is further comprised of an adjustable clamp for attaching the upper fan assembly to external objects. 
     
     
       5. The air circulation system of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable clamp is spring loaded.